CFR Cluj – Dinamo Buc

Dinamo Bucharest will travel to take on CFR Cluj in the fifth round of the Romanian Liga 1.

After a few down years in which they struggled with financial problems, CFR Cluj made a few investments this year (particularly in the coaching department, hiring Dan Petrescu as manager) and are looking like legitimate contenders for the Romanian Liga 1 title. The hosts had a solid start to the season, winning 10 points in 4 matches and posting an 8-1 goal difference. They won the last three matches they played, all of them without conceding a goal.

Dinamo Bucharest gained 9 points in the first 4 rounds and could have easily won 12 out of a possible 12 if they didn`t miss a ton of chances in a 0-1 home defeat to Botosani in the second round. The Red Dogs also had a decent showing in the Europa League, where they played well even if they got knocked out by Athletic Bilbao (1-1, 0-3). Dinamo is on the back of a 3-1 home win against Gaz Metan, claiming victory despite the fact that they rested a few starters in perspective of this match with CFR Cluj.

Team news & lineups:

CFR has not reported any new injuries or suspensions ahead of this clash. Dinamo has a full squad available, the only doubt being backup left back Maxi Oliva, who did not play this season.

CFR claimed some pretty solid results to start this season, but they weren`t necessarily dominant – particularly their last win against CSMS Iasi was a struggle. CFR defended well and was efficient in front of goal this year, but they have obvious weaknesses which can be exploited by a good team.

Player for player Dinamo is probably the better side, and they are just as well coached as CFR (arguably even better). Given the fact that the Red Dogs are in very good form themselves, there is no objective factor for which CFR Cluj should have odds around 1.90 here. I feel that a more realistic price for the hosts would be around 2.20 – 2.40.

This looks like an evenly matched clash. CFR has home court advantage, but on the other hand Dinamo is expected to have more fans in the stadium. I find the odds on CFR way too low and I think there`s value in backing Dinamo not to lose this game, so that will be my tip on this match. The under also looks good, as both teams have a pragmatic style of play, but odds are way too low for my taste, particularly if we think that Dinamo`s defense is really bad player for player.

The two teams met twice in 2017, back in the Spring in last season’s playoffs, and Dinamo won both of those meetings (2-0, 3-0). Both teams seem to be stronger now.

Expect a tight game in which nobody will want to risk losing against a potential title rival. I will bet on the X2 here. Prediction: CFR Cluj – Dinamo Bucharest 1-1.

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